Industrial rubber and plastics is hardly the most attention grabbing of subjects on the surface of it. Our associations with rubber are generally limited to the interactions we have with rubber in the course of our day to day lives and as these instances are neither multitudinous nor particularly remarkable: it is rare that you’ll ever encounter someone with a particular vociferous or well informed view of rubber, industrial rubber or its manufacture. There is however an incredibly interesting side to not just the manufacture of rubber but more so the array of often unseen applications to which it lends itself: in fact, industrial rubber is an incredibly important material in the facilitation of numerous processes, the results of which we take for granted.

Amongst the most common uses for industrial rubber is the manufacture of seals. Seals are on the whole relatively simple pieces of equipment which serve to help ensure that equipment is water or airtight as appropriate. Achieving a tight and reliable seal is imperative in a number of industries. In the food and drinks industry for instance, rubber seals are required for dosing machines, filling machines and as part of the canning process. Strong rubber seals are also instrumental in waste water treatment both in hydraulic systems and to prevent leakage at pipe joins- something which is particularly important when sewage is involved! In Steel and heavy industries, amongst the multiple applications of seals are test tube stoppers and large diameter seals for manufacturing.

As well as the somewhat obvious use of rubber in the manufacture of industrial seals, it is also used for items which are used directly by the end-user. From walking stick ferrules, to rubber foot pedals and doorstops- rubber is to be found in multitudinous guises throughout the home and is even more widely utilised in the construction of automobiles: the mats and pedals in the cabin wells, seals in the engine and all instances of rubber foam throughout the vehicle being just a sample of the uses.

Plastic is just as prevalent in industry and manufacture. PVC in particular is treated with plasticizers in order to improve flexibility and then used for such equipment as strip curtains, hoses and ducting. PVC hose used in conjunction with rubber seals is an absolutely essential component in numerous forms of industrial and agricultural machinery: not to mention the vital role it plays in the food and beverage industry and the myriad tasks this combination is used for in the consumer market. The uses of industrial rubber and plastic are so extensive and far reaching that it is harder to name an industry that doesn’t make use of them than to recall one that does. They may not be the most fascinating thing to discuss but are at the foundation of limitless process and objects which shape our modern society.

PVC is without doubt one of the most diversely used and useful types of plastic in modern manufacture. With applications spanning industries from industrial manufacture to agricultural and even food production, PVC is a material which lends itself to an incredible number of different uses. Thanks to its durability, flexibility and chemical resistance, polyvinyl chloride is found in clothing, flooring, inflatable structures, hosing and strip curtains alongside hundreds if not thousands of other items.

When used in clothing, the main strengths of PVC are its relatively low price in comparison to leather, rubber and latex, the fact that it is waterproof and that when suitably treated it very closely resembles leather. Due to these properties, the polymer is regularly found in jackets, bags, shoes and aprons. Despite the popularity of PVC clothing it is by no means the fashion industry which makes the most use of this popular material, that accolade falls to the manufacturing industry, which relies on PVC items for a number of roles.

PVC strip curtains are an absolute essential in any manufacturing or storage environment which requires closely controlled temperatures, containment of airborne particles or protection from pests. It is particularly useful in locations which experience a high level of motorised or pedestrian traffic and also helps to improve energy efficiency by making a positive impact on heat loss. Due to this series of useful traits and the low cost of PVC strip curtains, they are an ever popular addition to the majority of storage facilities- particularly those which are chilled for such purposes as food storage.

Of equal prevalence in industrial settings is PVC hose. This simple, unassuming item is used for myriad purposes, including but not limited to:

Water and fluid handling
Hydraulics
Food handling
Beverage lines
Coolant lines
Crop spraying
Chemical transfer

Due particularly to PVC’s chemical resilience, low cost and flexibility, PVC hose is incredibly versatile and widely used in a great number of processes and manufacturing techniques. It is equally adept at fulfilling sanitation and suction purposes in the home or business environment and as such is produced in vast quantities to satisfy the worldwide demand. As it does not corrode, is waterproof and with the use of plasticizers: is incredibly flexible, PVC hose is invaluable in all manner of plumbing applications, alongside its numerous other uses.